2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers Preview

OFFENSE
Over the last several years, while Nebraska has been playing top notch defense, the offense, while at times showing promise, continued to fail to live up to expectations. The 'Huskers appeared to be shaking off the offensive woes last fall, led by Freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez. T-Magic looked brilliant at times, but he got hurt and the offense lost all sense of potency. Bo Pelini made a change at the coordinator position for 2011, a welcomed development to be sure in Cornhusker country. Tim Beck takes over, and the offense his is installing is one that should accentuate the skills of Martinez. If Martinez is healthy, I think he could be a superstar, as I think his passing skills are underrated. Up front, the pipeline has seemed broken in recent years, but this line has the opportunity to be very good. Mike Caputo is solid at center, and Andrew Rodriguez is a future star. Marcel Jones, Jeremiah Sirles and Jermarcus Hardrick are experienced tackles. Coaches are also high on Brent Qvale at guard. Rex Burkhead is a multi talented back, who should easily surpass 1000 yards this year. A pair of freshman, Aaron Green and Ameer Abdullah could see significant playing time. Kyler Reed is a weapon at tight end. Brandon Kinnie returns to lead the receiving core, but behind him there is limited experience. A couple of players need to stand up at this position, but an emerging star in Jamal Turner, a true freshman who arrived early and shined in spring drills, has the skill set to immediately be a difference maker on the field. Kenny Bell and baseballer Khiry Cooper are among those who could emerge at the wideout position.

DEFENSE

The Blackshirts will be nothing short of smothering this fall, without doubt the strength of this football team. Up front, All America DT Jared Crick is a top NFL draft pick, who has the rare combination of size and speed, a run stuffer and fearsome pass rusher. Baker Steinkhuler will join Crick on the interior to form perhaps the best defensive tackle duo in the nation. Carmeron Meredith, a proven player, returns on the outside, but Eric Martin, Jason Ankrah, Josh Williams and Joseph Carter are in the fight for the other DE spot. Martin is a fierce hitter, so if he can grasp the playbook, he could emerge as a real difference maker. Lavonte David, in his first season with the 'Huskers in 2010, had a record breaking year in tackles at inside linebacker and earned honorable mention All America honors. David is a sure fire All America selection this fall, and should be in the mix for the Butkus Award; a truly great player. Sean Fisher and Will Compton, both injured a year ago, are back and are very good linebackers. Depth is unproven at this spot, but the starters are very good. Alfonzo Dennard returns for his senior year at cornerback, and is pre-season All America. He is a little gimpy to start the year, but he will be fine and dominate the field side. Ciante Evans, who played very well after being thrown into the fire a year ago, is talented and should settle in at boundary corner. Anthony Blue is solid as a backup, and Dijon Washington is making progress and looks like the next player in. Courtney Osborne, PJ Smith, Corey Cooper and Austin Cassidy are the safeties. I would like to see one of these guys become a real force at this position this fall.

INTANGIBLES

Unthinkable 2 years ago, the Cornhuskers are now members of the Big Ten Conference. Although the Big Ten has perennial power Ohio State, the Buckeyes are staggered from off the field issues that leave them with suspended players and an interim coach. Although Coach Pelini played at Ohio State and has familiarity of the stadiums and climate of the conference, it will still be new for Nebraska having to learn about all the new teams while each prior Big Ten team will only need to study NU. Even so, Nebraska is the best team in this conference and has the tools to overcome a brutal schedule. A trip to Wisconsin seems to be the major hurdle they will need to tackle, although late road contests at Penn State and Michigan sound difficult. The 'Huskers will have Iowa as the new rival with regular season ending contests, but this year it is in Lincoln. Outside the conference, Washington, who after getting pummelled by the 'Husker in Seattle earlier in the year, roughed up a flat and unmotivated Nebraska team in the Holiday Bowl. Nebraska was embarrassed, and so was I. So, I think the Huskies will not find their trip to Lincoln and enjoyable one.

HONORS CANDIDATES

Jared Crick will be considered for the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik Trophies and win All American honors from his defensive tackle position. Lavonte David will earn All America honors and will be among the favorites for the Butkus Award. Alfonzo Dennard could also win All America honors and should be on the Jim Thorpe short list. Rex Burkhead and Taylor Martinez could earn all conference honors as well.

NEW ARRIVALS

Jamal Turner, a true freshman who enrolled early and participated in spring drills, showed flashes of brilliance. Recruited as a quarterback, Turner has moved to wideout to get on the field. He should figure prominently at both wide receiver and as a return man in the kicking game. Aaron Green was highly ranked in the ESPN 150 and given the lack of proven depth at tailback, he has an opportunity to star if he is the real deal. Brion Carnes looks great as the backup quarterback and Jake Cotton, along with Tyler Moore from Clearwater Countryside is making some noise on the offensive line.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Nebraska will face a slew of obstacles this fall. Most importantly, they face a difficult schedule as they enter the Big Ten Conference, which by itself presents a myriad of unfamiliarity. Each of those teams will have it out for the Big Red. On top of that, Nebraska will be working with a new offensive coordinator, who has installed a new offense. This is a good development long term, but may have some test in the short term. QB Taylor Martinez is another wild card, for if he can remain healthy and regain the "magic", it could elevate the 'Huskers to national title consideration. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the home game with Texas and the bowl game, last fall, The Big Red seems to lack the mental toughness to bring it each week, although this may have been a result of the poor play by the offense. Nebraska should win the Big Ten, but will likely have a loss along they way, which keeps them out of the National Title hunt. Martinez will be the key, and if he can strike magic, look out because the defense will be smothering.

GAMEDAY GALLERY